Enhe Zhang

Smart and advanced applications (Materials and Technologies), Energy Technology, Sustainable buildings, Optimal

Building integration energy systems and solar utilization.

Thermal resilience and energy efficiency of building systems for low-income families.

Professional Experience Contingent Worker, NREL 2024-present Extreme Weather Consideration in Fenestration Durability Test.

• Investigated extreme weather impact assessments on fenestration technology durability testing.
• Utilized climate forecasting insights to anticipate evolving ambient conditions for fenestration systems.

Research Assistant, Penn State University 2019-2021Solar near-infrared (NIR) driven plasmonic photothermal effects.

• Developed and validated a numerical model to elucidate the plasmonic photothermal effect of specific nanoparticles.
• Utilized the numerical model to validate experimental data collected in the laboratory.
• Proposed an optimization method utilizing nanoparticles as a coated window surface to achieve dynamic windows with Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) values ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 based on ambient temperature.
• Estimated potential application resulting in up to 20% annual building operational consumption savings.

Research Assistant, Penn State University 2021-2023Condensation effect on overall heat transfer coefficient.

• Conducted scaled model tests using the hotbox method to investigate condensation behavior, particularly filmwise water condensate formation on surfaces.
• Validated a simplified heat transfer model of filmwise condensation proposed by the research team.
• Explored the relationship between condensation and surface emissivity to enhance understanding of heat transfer processes.

Research Assistant, Penn State University 2023-2024Spectral Selectivity Greenhouse Covering Materials for Energy Efficiency.

• Characterized greenhouse cladding samples to assess their optical and mechanical properties.
• Developed an architectural index to facilitate understanding of cladding properties about plant growth.
• Utilized simulation and data analysis to elucidate the correlation between cladding properties, plant growth dynamics, and energy performance in greenhouse environments.

Teaching Assistant, Penn State University, Window Performance and Advanced Lighting. Teaching Assistant, University of Cincinnati, Building Physic (Heating and Lighting/Electric).

EducationsPENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Dec 2024

Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering

Expertise: Solar Energy,

Energy Efficiency and Durability.

UNIVERSITY of CINCINNATI

June 2016

B.A. in Chemical Engineering and M.E. in Mechanical engineering